Jonah Patel
North Carolina is a
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Concealed carry permit requirement | A permit is required to carry a concealed weapon. However, in 2025, the North Carolina Senate committee approved a bill to remove this requirement. |
| Open carry permit requirement | No permit is required for open carry. |
| Age requirement for concealed carry | 18 years old (proposed to be reduced from 21 years old) |
| Training requirement | A safety and training course is required to obtain a concealed carry permit. |
| Reciprocity | North Carolina recognizes all states' concealed carry permits/licenses, regardless of the age of the permit holder. |
| Display regulations | Counties can regulate the display of firearms on public roads, sidewalks, alleys, and other public property. |
| Off-limits areas | Schools and the State Capitol grounds |
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What You'll Learn
North Carolina Constitutional Carry Act
The North Carolina Constitutional Carry Act, or House Bill 5, was introduced by North Carolina Republicans in the General Assembly in February 2025. The bill seeks to remove the requirement for a permit to carry a concealed weapon in the state of North Carolina. It would apply to US citizens over the age of 18 with no felony convictions or mental illness-related charges. The bill would also allow elected officials to carry concealed weapons in legislative buildings and offices in Raleigh.
The act is similar to Senate Bill 50, or "Freedom to Carry NC," which was introduced in the same month and would also remove the requirement for a concealed carry permit. The key difference between the two bills is that HB 5 includes a provision for elected officials to carry concealed weapons while acting in their official capacity. Both bills have the backing of Senate President Phil Berger and other Senate Republicans.
Currently, North Carolina is a "shall-issue" state, meaning that concealed handgun permits are issued at the county level by the local sheriff's office. To receive a permit, applicants must be 21 years or older and pass a safety and training course. Open carry is already legal in North Carolina without a permit, although there are some restrictions on where firearms can be carried.
Supporters of the North Carolina Constitutional Carry Act argue that it would bring the state's laws in line with those of its surrounding states, many of which have already adopted some version of constitutional carry. They also argue that it would simplify the process for gun owners and protect their Second Amendment rights. However, opponents of the bill, such as House Democratic Leader Robert Reives, argue that removing the permit requirement would make communities less safe.
If passed, the North Carolina Constitutional Carry Act would make North Carolina the 30th state to recognize constitutional carry, or permitless carry of concealed firearms. It is currently unclear how much support the bill will receive in the state legislature.
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Permits and requirements
As of February 2025, North Carolina law requires individuals to obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Permits are issued at the county level by the local sheriff's office. To receive a permit, applicants must be 21 years old and pass a safety and training course. The course must be state-approved, given by a state-certified trainer, and be at least eight hours long. It must include a written test on state laws pertaining to the use of deadly force and restrictions on where a handgun may be carried.
However, open carry is legal in North Carolina without a permit. Counties may regulate the display of firearms on public roads, sidewalks, alleys, or other public property. Some areas are off-limits, including schools and the State Capitol grounds.
In February 2025, North Carolina lawmakers introduced House Bill 5 (HB 5) and Senate Bill 50 (SB 50), collectively referred to as the "NC Constitutional Carry Act." These bills aim to remove the requirement for a permit to carry a concealed weapon. If passed, US citizens over the age of 18 with no felonies or mental illness-related charges would be able to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. The bills would also allow elected officials to carry concealed weapons in legislative buildings and offices in Raleigh.
Supporters of the bills argue that they would simplify the process for gun owners and bring North Carolina's laws in line with those of surrounding states. However, opponents argue that removing the permit requirement would compromise safety and make it more difficult for law enforcement to do their jobs.
It is unclear whether the bills will pass, and they are currently under review by the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association. If passed, North Carolina would become the 30th state to recognize constitutional carry.
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Safety and training courses
North Carolina requires applicants for a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) to complete a state-approved training course given by a state-certified trainer. The course must cover gun safety and state laws pertaining to the use of deadly force and restrictions on where a handgun may be carried.
One such course is offered by Carolina Firearms Training of NC LLC, which has training facilities in Sanford and Siler City. The course covers shooting fundamentals, gun safety, and gun cleaning. It also includes a written test on state laws pertaining to the use of deadly force and restrictions on carrying a concealed handgun.
Another option is the Pistol Safety Academy in Raleigh, which offers a conceal carry training course for anyone in the area looking to apply for a North Carolina Conceal Carry Permit. The academy offers a small classroom setting with a maximum of 10 students to allow more focus on individual safety and weapon handling.
Fully Loaded Defense in Wilmington also offers a concealed carry course. The course is designed to provide students with the skills and confidence to handle firearms safely and responsibly. It covers strategies for home defense and how to respond to potential threats.
In addition to these options, there are likely other firearms training courses offered by private instructors and companies throughout North Carolina that can fulfill the state's requirements for obtaining a CHP.
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Law enforcement concerns
Law enforcement officers have raised concerns about the proposed constitutional carry legislation in North Carolina. One of the primary concerns is that removing the permit requirement for carrying concealed weapons could endanger both law enforcement officers and the public. Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead stated that if the bill passes, his deputies would need to treat every encounter as a potential felony stop, increasing the risk for everyone involved.
Currently, North Carolina law requires individuals to obtain a permit from their local sheriff's office to carry a concealed weapon. This process includes passing a safety and training course, as well as undergoing background checks to ensure that applicants have no felony convictions or mental illness-related charges. The permit system provides law enforcement with information about who is authorised to carry a concealed weapon, aiding them in their duties and enabling them to pursue and detain individuals suspected of carrying concealed weapons without a permit.
The proposed constitutional carry legislation, also known as Senate Bill 50 or House Bill 5, would remove the permit requirement, allowing individuals over the age of 18 who are U.S. citizens with no felonies or mental illness-related charges to carry concealed weapons without a permit. This has raised concerns among law enforcement officers, who worry that untrained individuals, including those who may pose a danger to themselves or others, could gain access to firearms without proper authorisation or oversight.
In addition, law enforcement officers have expressed worries that the removal of permits could make it more challenging to distinguish between law-abiding gun owners and potential criminals. Currently, the presence or absence of a permit can provide officers with crucial information during encounters with individuals carrying weapons. Without the permit system, officers may need to adopt more cautious approaches during routine interactions, such as traffic stops, potentially escalating tensions and putting both officers and citizens at risk.
While proponents of constitutional carry argue that it aligns with Second Amendment rights and promotes responsible firearm ownership, law enforcement officers counter that adequate training and regulations are essential to ensuring public safety. They emphasise that the removal of training and permit requirements could lead to an increase in gun-related incidents and put both officers and the community in harm's way. These concerns have been echoed by gun control advocates, who fear that the passage of constitutional carry legislation could result in tragic consequences for North Carolinians.
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Similar laws in other states
In the United States, the term constitutional carry, also called permitless carry, unrestricted carry, or Vermont carry, refers to the legal public carrying of a handgun, either openly or concealed, without a license or permit. The phrase "constitutional carry" reflects the idea that the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution does not allow restrictions on gun rights, including the right to carry or bear arms.
As of 2025, there are 29 states that have constitutional carry laws in place. These include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Vermont does not have any provision for the issue of concealed-carry licenses, as none has ever been necessary or constitutionally allowed. All other constitutional carry states previously had concealed-carry license requirements before adopting unrestricted carry laws, and continue to issue licenses on a shall-issue basis for inter-state reciprocity purposes. For example, Alabama eliminated the requirement to obtain a permit to carry a concealed pistol or a loaded pistol in a vehicle as of January 1, 2023. In 2023, North Dakota allowed non-residents to carry under its permitless carry laws.
Some states, like New York, have been resistant to the adoption of constitutional carry laws, with the state issuing criteria that don't align with the Supreme Court's decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen.
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Frequently asked questions
As of February 2025, North Carolina is a shall-issue state, meaning that concealed handgun permits are issued at the county level by the local sheriff's office. Open carry is legal in North Carolina without a permit, but there are some off-limits areas, including schools and the State Capitol grounds.
The "NC Constitutional Carry Act", or House Bill 5, is a bill that would allow individuals over 18 to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. It would also allow elected officials to conceal carry weapons in legislative buildings and offices in Raleigh.
The bill was introduced in February 2025 and has advanced to a rules committee. It is currently unclear how much traction the bill will gain. If passed, it would make North Carolina the 30th state to recognize constitutional carry.
